3 charged in burglary at Houlton store

HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Police Department has charged three people in connection with a burglary at Ferris Qwik Stop.

The convenience store was one of several businesses targeted in a burglary spree on Nov. 21.

Houlton police Detective Carolyn Crandall said Monday afternoon that police are on the brink of charging other suspects in connection with two other incidents that were part of the crime spree.

The Qwik Stop burglary took place in the early morning hours when, according to police, three people broke into the Military Street business and stole beer and cigarettes.

According to Crandall, Skylar Case, 18, of Houlton, has been charged with burglary in connection with the incident. Police also have charged Ralph Levesque Jr., 22, of Presque Isle, and 24-year-old Houlton resident Jessie Case.

Levesque has been charged with burglary, criminal mischief and theft. Jessie Case was summoned for burglary. It is not known whether Skylar and Jessie Case are related.

During the incident, the perpetrators gained entry into the store by breaking a window. One of the intruders was cut by glass shards, and police found a pool of blood at the scene. The thieves made off with $753 worth of cigarettes and $64 worth of beer.

An eyewitness told police she saw a woman running from the store and gave a description of a car that may have been associated with the break-in.

Approximately 20 minutes later, an alarm sounded at Ken’s Store on Calais Road. Police discovered that burglars had gained entry to the store by breaking some glass and that the cash register was missing.

Police have spoken to an eyewitness who saw someone running from the store, the detective said.

A short time later, a vehicle was reported stolen from F.A. Peabody in Houlton.

Crandall said police have identified a “strong suspect” in the Ken’s Store break-in but have made no arrests.

Police also have a suspect in the F.A. Peabody vehicle theft case.

The detective said police believe all of the suspects are connected in some way.

Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to call the Houlton Police Department at 532-2287 or call the department’s anonymous tip line at 694-3545.